Dispute Resolution
Whether you are looking to resolve your dispute through court litigation, arbitration or mediation, we will be there, holding your hand along the entire journey.
General information on disputes and litigation in Singapore, not legal advice. For advice on your own circumstances, speak with one of our lawyers.
In our words
Speak to
- Lau Kah Heekahhee@bclaulegal.com
- Carol Leecarol@bclaulegal.com
From the point of first contact to enforcement/recovery, we represent clients at all stages of the dispute resolution process in a broad spectrum of civil and commercial matters including tax, shareholders’ disputes, breach of trust and fiduciary duties, tortious, contractual, employment, banking, estate claims, and financial services disputes.
Our teams represent our clients at all levels of trial and appellate litigation, as well as in hearings before various specialised and administrative tribunals.
We are completely committed to helping you obtain the best commercial and strategic outcome when you are engaged in a dispute, and will vigorously fight your corner against all odds. Whether it is a complex dispute or a simple one, you can be assured that we will fight your case and advance your interests robustly.
We also frequently represent our clients in criminal or quasi criminal offences, ranging from serious capital offences involving the death penalty such as murder and drug trafficking, to less serious ones such as white collar crime investigations, cheating and criminal breach of trust, corruption, driving, immigration and customs, and sexual offences. We firmly believe that for criminal matters, legal advice and representation must be sought as soon as possible, given that one’s life or liberty is at stake.
What we handle
- Contractual and commercial disputes
- Shareholders’ disputes
- Breach of trust and fiduciary duties
- Tort claims
- Employment disputes
- Banking and financial services disputes
- Estate claims
- Tax disputes
- Criminal and white-collar matters
- Arbitration
- Mediation
Fees
Fees depend on the scope of the matter. Ask us for a quote.
| Initial consultationReviewing your documents and explaining where you stand and the options open to you. | On enquiry |
|---|---|
| Advice and documentsWritten advice, letters and the documents your matter needs. | On enquiry |
| Full matterTaking the matter through from start to finish. | On enquiry |
Where to start
Call the office or email us with a short outline of your matter, and one of our lawyers will advise on the next step.
Common questions
I have received a letter of demand. What should I do?
Do not ignore it. A letter of demand is not a court document, but if it goes unanswered the sender may start a court claim. Note the deadline, gather your documents, and decide with advice whether to pay, negotiate or dispute the claim.
Read the full guide →How long do I have to bring a claim?
Under the Limitation Act, most claims in contract and tort must be brought within 6 years. Personal injury claims generally have 3 years. If the time limit passes, the other side can rely on it as a complete defence, however strong the claim.
Read the full guide →Can mediation settle my dispute without going to court?
Often, yes. In mediation, a neutral mediator helps the parties negotiate their own settlement in a confidential setting. Nothing is binding until a settlement agreement is signed, and some settlements can then be recorded as a court order.
Read the full guide →Should I resolve my dispute by arbitration or in court?
Arbitration is only available if the parties have agreed to it, usually in their contract. It is private and gives the parties more say over the process, and awards can be enforced in many countries. Court litigation is public, allows appeals and makes it easier to bring in other parties.
Read the full guide →Which court will hear my claim?
It depends mainly on the amount claimed. Certain claims up to S$20,000 can go to the Small Claims Tribunals, claims up to S$60,000 to the Magistrate's Court, claims up to S$250,000 to the District Court, and larger claims to the High Court. Some kinds of dispute go to specialist tribunals.
Read the full guide →How does a civil lawsuit work in Singapore?
Most claims start with an Originating Claim and a Statement of Claim. The defendant must respond within short deadlines, the court then manages the case through case conferences, and the parties exchange documents and witness statements before trial. Many cases settle or end early.
Read the full guide →The other side has not paid my judgment. What can I do?
The court does not collect the money for you, but you can apply for enforcement. Options include having the debtor examined on oath about their assets, seizing and selling their property, redirecting money owed to them such as a bank balance, and bankruptcy or winding up.
Read the full guide →What is a statutory demand, and can it lead to bankruptcy or winding up?
A statutory demand is a formal written demand for a debt of S$15,000 or more. If the debtor does not pay, secure or settle it within 21 days, the debtor is presumed unable to pay, and the creditor can apply to make an individual bankrupt or to wind up a company.
Read the full guide →I disagree with my IRAS tax assessment. Can I challenge it?
Yes. For income tax, you first file a notice of objection with IRAS, within 30 days of the notice of assessment for individuals or 2 months for companies. If IRAS does not agree, it issues a notice of refusal to amend, and you can then appeal to the Income Tax Board of Review.
Read the full guide →What can a minority shareholder do if the majority is treating them unfairly?
Section 216 of the Companies Act 1967 lets a shareholder ask the High Court for relief where the company's affairs are run oppressively or in a way that unfairly prejudices or discriminates against them. The court has wide powers, and the most common remedy is an order that one side buy out the other at a fair price.
Read the full guide →Still have a question? Ask us directly.
Have questions?
Send us a quick note below and let's figure things out together.